USM PENANG, 7 July 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), collaborated with Universitas Indonesia (UI) in an international community engagement initiative aimed at strengthening coastal ecosystem resilience and promoting sustainable blue economy development in Langkawi.

The programme, titled ‘UI–USM SustainaBlue Collaboration Project: Enhancing Coastal Ecosystem Resilience and the Blue Economy in Kubang Badak, Langkawi, Malaysia,’ was held from 14 to 19 June 2026 under the Universitas Indonesia Community Development Grant through the World Class University (WCU) Scheme.

The initiative is part of the broader SustainaBlue collaboration, which seeks to strengthen higher-education partnerships and sustainable development efforts across Southeast Asia.

Bringing together lecturers, researchers, and students from both institutions, the programme focused on community empowerment, environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and knowledge exchange with local stakeholders in Langkawi.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of CEMACS, Associate Professor Dr. Mahadi Mohammad, emphasised the importance of strengthening public understanding of the blue economy and expanding regional collaboration to address emerging coastal and marine challenges.

“This collaboration demonstrates how universities can serve as catalysts for sustainable development by connecting scientific knowledge with community needs. Through initiatives such as SustainaBlue, we are helping to build resilient coastal communities while nurturing future leaders in the blue economy sector,” he said.

The programme included field-based activities focused on the adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) by local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those operating in Langkawi’s tourism sector.

Surveys and engagement sessions conducted at Pantai Cenang revealed increasing interest among entrepreneurs in leveraging AI tools for branding, marketing, and business management.

Participants also conducted environmental awareness programmes in the Kubang Badak Mangrove Area, where local communities were introduced to the importance of mangrove ecosystems, sustainable resource management, and coastal conservation.

The initiative aimed to enhance community awareness of the ecological and economic value of healthy coastal environments.

A key highlight of the programme was a visit to the Langkawi Oyster Farm, a community-based aquaculture project established by CEMACS.

The visit provided participants with insights into how sustainable oyster farming can contribute to environmental conservation while generating economic opportunities for coastal communities.

The project showcases innovative approaches to balancing ecosystem stewardship with local livelihood development.

The collaboration also facilitated scientific and cultural exchanges between Malaysian and Indonesian participants, covering topics such as marine pollution, microplastic contamination, and sustainable coastal management.

These interactions strengthened academic networking and promoted cross-cultural understanding among participants from both countries.

The programme concluded with field observations at the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, part of the UNESCO Global Geopark network, providing participants with first-hand exposure to Langkawi’s unique geological heritage, rich biodiversity, and extensive mangrove ecosystems.

Through this initiative, USM continues to reinforce its commitment to advancing sustainable development, community engagement, and regional partnerships, while supporting efforts to build resilient coastal ecosystems and sustainable blue economy opportunities for future generations.

Text & Photo: Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), USM